Waimea Canyon has been nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and though it is definitely on a smaller scale, it is still an impressive sight.   The sheer ruggedness is complemented by bright colors, tropical vegetation, waterfalls tumbling down from the caldera above, and long views to the top of Mt. Wai’aleale above and the Pacific Ocean to the west.   A visit to this spot is a must-do on Kauai.

There are only a few trails around the rim of the canyon, but one trail descends a ridge all the way to the bottom, the Kukui Trail.   This is an “upside-down trail.”   An easy 2.5 miles down, but a challenging return hike.

Drive up the Waimea Canyon Road or the Kokee Road and two miles past the junction of the two roads, watch for a signed trail on the canyon side (at N22 03.097 W159 35.592).   The first part of this trail is the Iliau Nature Loop, with the Kukui Trail starting downhill on the west side of the loop.

The trail descends ridges, switch-backing around steep sections.   Good views are constant into Waimea Canyon.   Along the eroded slopes and cliffs koa, silk oak, o’hia, and lantana border the trail.  The silk oaks were in bloom in April with their unusual golden foliage.   Waialae Falls is visible coming off the edge of the caldera to the northeast.   The canyon is full of colors and shapes.   Trail markers tell us how far we have progressed.   We enjoy going down 2 miles then turning around.  The views don’t improve after this point, but Wiliwili Camp is at the 2.5 mile point, down in the canyon, next to the river in the forest.   If it is mosquito season, don’t bother.   It is a steep climb back up.   Go as far down as your fitness allows, remembering that the uphill will be much harder (and probably hotter).   We don’t go down this trail after a rainfall.   The surface becomes slippery and difficult.   We wait for a clear day when the colors and the views reward us, making up for the steep uphill return trip.